A report in the Mirror on Saturday claimed that Garde is seeking at least £2million from the Midlands club and is refusing to quit so as not to violate the terms and conditions of his contract.

Garde has made it clear to the new-look Villa hierarchy that he does not see his future at the club and accepts that his exit is inevitable as the club face the almost certain prospect of dropping into the Championship.

On Garde: Frenchman has refused to resign despite just two league wins since his arrival

Villa have already fired chief executive Tom Fox and sporting director Hendrik Almstadt in light of their investigation into the club’s terrible season.

The board are eager to dismiss Garde, but have run into trouble after the Frenchman’s insistence he will not walk until he is paid off.

Riley is also expected to be shown the door after £55million was spent in the summer on players who have failed to shine in a disastrous season.